Here Are The 11 Startups Telstra’s Accelerator Muru-D Has Just Valued At Over $600k Each

The second round of startups which will be participating in Telstra’s muru-D accelerator program have just been announced and they’re a diverse bunch.

Each of the startups will receive $40,000 seed capital in return for 6% equity in the business. Meaning the Telstra-backed accelerator has just valued each of these ideas at more than $600,000 a piece.

They will also receive six months of office space in the Sydney CBD, mentoring and business support to help the founders build the ideas out.

Telstra is throwing a lot of resources at innovating like a startup, with the agile development receiving support from the upper echelons of the company, including CEO David Thodey who this week said it’s a critical part of the company’s growth strategy.

“We need to find ways to do things different,” Thodey said this week, adding “Technology is the enabler but we have to make the value.”

Thodey said startups are innovating fast and while that’s great, it’s something which cannot just be left to the little companies – big organisations need to innovate as well.

“We all need to grasp hold of this technology and apply it to ourselves,” he said adding it will change business models.

Charlotte Yarkoni, Telstra software group executive director and muru-D Co-founder said, “If we don’t innovate, we risk becoming irrelevant. It’s a priority for Telstra and we’re starting to see it become a priority for more and more organisations, which is very exciting for everyone involved in the business.”

The ideas range rom a 3D printed surfboard company and an online catering platform to a digital marketplace for freight transport.

The eleven startups went through a gruelling selection process, pitching to startup coaches over a few rounds to secure a place in the accelerator’s second class.

Here are the final 11 startups who will be in innovation lockdown for the next six months.